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The House of Representatives recessed on July 23 and is scheduled to return to Washington on August 31. The Senate will adjourn for its August recess at the end of this week, although leadership may extend voting sessions into the weekend if additional time is needed to complete outstanding legislative priorities. Senators are not expected…

ASA, along with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and many similar associations including 112 members of Congress, urged U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to pursue a strong extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that strengthens North American competitiveness and addresses outstanding trade concerns. The bipartisan congressional effort was led by Rep. Yakym (R-IN),…

Congress is moving toward another short-term government funding measure as lawmakers work to avoid a shutdown while negotiations over Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations continue. On July 21, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 9770, legislation that would extend government funding at current levels from the end of the fiscal year on September 30 through December…

Congress is taking steps toward a potential third budget reconciliation package after the House of Representatives approved its Fiscal Year 2027 budget resolution on July 22.  The House passed H. Con. Res. 113, which would establish the framework for future reconciliation legislation by directing four House committees — Armed Services, Intelligence, Agriculture, and Administration —…

The House passed its version of the NDAA (H.R. 8800) on July 22. The Senate is not expected to bring up its own bill for a floor vote until sometime after it returns from the August recess.

The ASA Subcontractors Legal Defense Fund (SLDF) recently achieved an important legal victory for subcontractors and suppliers in Arizona, reinforcing protections against owners who benefit from construction work without paying for the improvements received. In Markham Contracting Co., Inc. v. Cahava Springs Phase 1, Inc., et al., the Arizona Supreme Court confirmed that an owner may be held…

The House recessed last Thursday and will not return until August 31.  The Senate is in session for two more weeks. The Senate returned this week to confirmation votes over the next two weeks on a slate of administration nominees, including Jay Clayton to be the Director of National Intelligence.  They also plan to move…

As Congress races toward the August recess, ASA is urging congressional leaders to maintain current federal investments in the nation’s surface transportation programs through any continuing resolution (CR) or extension of surface transportation law. In a letter sent to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority…

The future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is entering a period of uncertainty that could have significant implications for the construction industry, supply chains, and the broader U.S. economy. During the agreement’s scheduled six-year review in July 2026, the Trump Administration declined to extend the trade pact through 2036, triggering annual reviews over the…

Congress is working toward a short-term government funding agreement ahead of the September 30 deadline, with members seeking to avoid a shutdown while broader budget negotiations continue. Last week, the House passed a continuing resolution (CR) by a 220-205 vote that would fund the government through December 4. The measure was supported by all but…